Kicking Paddle

This page provides details on how to use a kicking paddle for martial arts training. Kicking paddles are padded training tools used primarily as a practice target for a martial artist’s kicks.

The holder of the kicking paddle will either hold the paddle stationary or use it as a semi-moving target. In stationary drills, the holder will keep the paddle in one position so the kicker can easily repeat a specific kick (i.e. holding a kicking paddle head high in order to practice an axe kick). In moving target drills, the holder will change the height, angle and/or distance of the paddle in order to force the kicker to try different kicks. However, in the moving target drills, you should keep the paddle stationary until your training partner has hit the pad. This will help to prevent your partner from missing the paddle and possibly hyper-extending their knee. If you are afraid that your partner will hit your hand when kicking the paddle (i.e. because they are a new student), you can use a second paddle in your other hand in order to cover your exposed “target” hand.

While modestly less effective than focus mitts, kicking paddles can also be used as a target for punches. They are also used to help martial artists practice how to avoid being hit by a punch or kick. Instructors can swing the kicking paddle at the student’s head, body, arms and legs in order to force the student to block, duck and/or weave. Moreover, students can practice without fear of being hurt given the padded nature of the kicking paddle.

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